🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Suzuki

Model:

GT750

Model Code Examples:

GT750, GT750A, GT750B, GT750K, GT750L, GT750M, GT750A-0001 to GT750A-17350, GT750B-0001 to GT750B-18220, GT750K-0001 to GT750K-23580, GT750L-0001 to GT750L-26830, GT750M-0001 to GT750M-28000 (Note: Specific frame and engine serial number ranges vary by year and market)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Suzuki GT750 was a groundbreaking machine, often dubbed the 'Water Buffalo' due to its smooth, powerful, three-cylinder engine and distinctive radiator. It was Suzuki's flagship motorcycle in the early 1970s, aimed at competing with other large-displacement motorcycles of the era, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and unique technology.

Competitors:

Primary competitors included the Kawasaki Z1, Honda CB750 Four, and Yamaha XS650. The GT750 distinguished itself with its liquid-cooled, triple-cylinder configuration and shaft drive (in later models), offering a smoother, quieter ride compared to air-cooled twins and fours.

Key Features:

Liquid-cooled three-cylinder engine, 5-speed gearbox, disc brakes (front and rear), comfortable touring ergonomics, unique styling.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1972, 1973, 1974

Page Count:

142

Manual Type:

Parts Catalog/Manual

Language:

English (typical for factory manuals of this era, verification of specific print may be required)

Format:

Printed (assumed based on typical product offering for historical manuals, digital formats may exist)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Crankshaft, pistons, cylinders, cylinder heads, cooling system (water pump, radiator, hoses), lubrication system (oil pump, oil cooler), ignition system (coils, points, spark plugs), exhaust system (expansion chambers, mufflers)

Transmission:

Clutch assembly, gearbox internals (gears, shafts, synchronizers), shift mechanism, drive chain and sprockets

Frame And Suspension:

Frame components, front fork (internals, seals), rear shock absorbers, swingarm, linkages

Brakes:

Front and rear brake caliper assemblies, master cylinders, brake lines, brake discs, brake pads

Electrical System:

Wiring harness diagrams, lighting components (headlight, taillight, indicators), battery, alternator, starter motor, switches, relays

Fuel System:

Carburetor assemblies (Mikuni VM30SC), fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel petcock

Bodywork And Fittings:

Fuel tank badges, side covers, seat assembly, fenders, handlebars, controls, instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer)

Part Identification:

Detailed diagrams with exploded views and corresponding part numbers for every component.

Assembly Order:

Illustrates the correct sequence of part installation for major assemblies.

Part Interchangeability:

May indicate commonality of parts across different model years or variants.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive part identification, assembly diagrams, and component listings. Not a repair or service manual, but essential for ordering correct replacement parts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (assuming printed copy)

Print Quality:

Original factory print quality (variable, depends on source copy; expect clear line drawings and text)

Binding Type:

Original saddle-stitched or perfect bound (assumed for a factory catalog)

Paper Type:

Standard matte paper stock typical for OEM manuals of the era

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Two-stroke, Liquid-Cooled, Parallel-Twin (Note: Often misidentified as a triple, the GT750 is a two-stroke parallel-twin with a third cylinder acting as an air compressor/valve system for crankcase pressure equalization. True triples were the GT750's predecessors and other Suzuki models.)

Displacement:

739 cc (45.1 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

70.0 mm x 64.0 mm (2.76 in x 2.52 in)

Compression Ratio:

6.8:1

Horsepower:

Approx. 63-68 hp @ 6,000 rpm (varies slightly by model year and market tuning)

Torque:

Approx. 53-56 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm

Top Speed:

Approx. 115-120 mph (185-193 km/h)

Carburetors:

3 x Mikuni VM30SC 30mm constant velocity carburetors

Fuel Tank Capacity:

4.5 US gallons (17 liters)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline with two-stroke oil mixture (typically 50:1 or 100:1 depending on Suzuki's recommendation and oil type).

Cooling Method:

Liquid-cooled with forced circulation, front-mounted radiator

Lubrication Method:

Suzuki TC (Total Lubrication System) - oil injection from a separate reservoir mixed with fuel.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed constant mesh

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate

Drive Type:

Chain drive (earlier models might have shaft drive options, but the common GT750 is chain drive)

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios vary by model year, but are optimized for a balance of acceleration and top-end speed.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,220 mm (87.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 800 mm (31.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,175 mm (46.3 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,470 mm (57.9 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 212 kg (467 lbs) - Note: Weight varies slightly by model year and included accessories.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

N/A (motorcycle specific)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No formal crash test ratings available for motorcycles of this era as per modern standards.

Front Brake:

Dual front disc brakes (later models), single front disc (early models)

Rear Brake:

Drum brake (early models), Disc brake (later models)

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

N/A (Classic motorcycle technology focus).

Driver Assistance Features:

N/A (Classic motorcycle technology focus).

Connectivity Features:

N/A (Classic motorcycle technology focus).

Instrumentation:

Analog speedometer, tachometer, neutral indicator light, turn signal indicators, high beam indicator, temperature warning light.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Refer to specific service manual for oil change intervals for the TC system reservoir and gearbox. Typically, the TC reservoir would be topped up as needed, and gearbox oil changed every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Recommended every 5,000-8,000 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or as per service manual, depending on type and usage.

Chain And Sprocket Inspection:

Regular inspection for wear and adjustment every 1,000 miles (1,600 km).

Two Stroke Oil:

High-quality two-stroke motorcycle oil suitable for liquid-cooled engines. Consult manual for specific API or JASO rating. Often mixed at 50:1 or 100:1 ratio with gasoline, or via oil injection.

Gearbox Oil:

API GL-4 SAE 80W or 10W-40 motorcycle gear oil. Capacity approx. 1.2 liters.

Coolant:

Mixture of ethylene glycol based antifreeze and distilled water (50/50 ratio recommended for most climates). Capacity approx. 2.5 liters.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (if equipped with disc brakes). Check reservoir cap or manual for exact specification.

Known Issues:

Carbon buildup in exhaust ports and combustion chambers due to two-stroke nature, potential for water pump seal leaks, carburation tuning can be sensitive, rear drum brake performance may be less effective than disc brakes on later models.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Suzuki Motor Corporation, founded in 1909, has a long history in manufacturing, initially textiles before moving into motorcycles. By the 1970s, Suzuki had established itself as a significant player in the motorcycle industry, known for innovative two-stroke engines and performance-oriented machines.

Model Evolution:

The GT750 was introduced in 1971 as a 1972 model. It evolved through several iterations (K, L, M, A, B models), with key changes including front disc brake improvements, exhaust system revisions for emissions, and styling updates. Early models often featured a drum rear brake, while later ones adopted discs. The 'Water Buffalo' name stuck due to its smooth, powerful, and relatively quiet operation for a two-stroke.

Production Years:

1971-1977

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific 'awards' might not be documented in the same way as modern vehicles, the GT750 was highly regarded in its time for its technical innovation, performance, and comfort, contributing significantly to Suzuki's reputation in the large-displacement motorcycle market.

Performance Ratings:

Consistently rated highly by motorcycle publications of the era for its smooth power delivery and touring capabilities, earning it the 'Water Buffalo' moniker for its robust performance.